Trinidad and Tobago beams with pride as pan man Joshua Regrello sets a monumental milestone, playing the steelpan continuously for 31 hours to achieve a new Guinness World Record.
Public Relations Officer of Pan Trinbago, Kwesi Moore, highlighted that this incredible feat has ignited a wave of national unity and inspiration. He also reminded everyone that accomplishing this milestone was no easy task.
Mr. Moore said Joshua Regrello’s achievement exemplifies the steelpan’s power to transform lives and unite the nation.
“The entire 31 hours was just a showcase of unity on all fronts. The fact that the performing community in Trinidad and Tobago came out to support Joshua throughout the 31 hours. I saw the likes of Vaughnette Bigford, you had Mohamed Muwakhil, you had Voice, and the Violin Man. All of them came out to keep the momentum going and provide that support to Joshua.”
He stressed that it was truly a showcase of unity, one they had not anticipated.
“In the studio, of course, we had persons there all hours of the night, throughout the day, especially coming down to the last hour or two. It was impossible to keep their head, you know, under control. And, of course, the national community that rallied behind him. I think the community and the nation paused for a bit to acknowledge and recognise the work of this young man, rallied behind him. I mean, even downstairs in the WACK studio, we were there, and the excitement and the energy was palpable. The support was palpable. Trinidad flags everywhere. It was a real uniting moment for Trinidad and Tobago.”
The effort required for such a record is unimaginable and Mr. Moore explained just how challenging it would have as he him self is a pan player as well.
“Well, I could tell you that even after one night of Panorama practice with rigorous drilling throughout the season, that would last probably five, at most six hours. That alone is tiring in and of itself, with a break.
So, I can’t even fathom that happening times six, nonstop. But, of course, a lot of practical things would have needed to be put in place. We had a lot of energy drinks around. I saw, oh gosh, the mother was always there with a drink to sustain him. Then, he had a towel to keep him dry throughout the thing, and of course, it would have taken a lot of rest.”
He said Joshua’s achievement has even set the stage for others to dream big.
“Shoot for the stars, of course. And we encourage anyone that sees a Guinness World Record that they themselves want to achieve, do so, because the pan has so many aspects to it and so many ways that it could be utilised in this world, in this nation. And don’t let anything hold you back.”
Joshua Regrello’s record attempt is not just a personal milestone but it can also be described as a national moment of pride and a call to dream big.